The Market Report: Will Phils wheel and deal?

On this week when we light the fuse on the fireworks, it’s time to get the rumor rockets ready to fly for the July 31 trade deadline.

The Phillies figure to be right in the middle of the conversation — although which way they are going to go is still in question. As long as they continue to hang close, odds are they will be tempted to at least ride things out and not push the Sam Hinkie ceremonial plunger to blow this thing up.

After years of being a buyer, it would seem unlikely that Ruben Amaro Jr. and crew goes all in and trades prospects for pieces to salvage 2013. Instead, it is more likely that the Phils will be viewed as a seller.

A few of the scouts that we talked to this week are thinking that is the way that the club should go — but they also feel that Amaro won’t go all the way with the dynamite.

“They are in a tough spot,” one scout said. “Baseball-wise, the right thing to do would be to sell everything and start over. But I don’t think they can realistically do it with their economics and needing to sell all those seats to meet payroll until the TV deal is set (in 2015).”

So who may go? And more importantly, what would any deal bring back? Well, we asked a couple of veteran scouts to help us set the possible market and suitors for some big names that the Phils may be approached about this month.

Cliff Lee

Contract status: The starting pitcher is signed through 2016 with club option for 2017.

Total value of deal: $75-90 million left.

Trade clauses: Can block trades to 21 teams.

What will he bring?: As one NL scout said, Lee would be the biggest fish on the trade market this July if he was available. “There’s such a need for starting pitching that I think you would see teams willing to take a large chunk of the money and give you really good prospects,” he said. “He’s the missing piece for some clubs between missing the playoffs and winning the World Series.”

Teams with interest: Again, a lot of teams. However, the Orioles, Yankees, Rangers, Cardinals and Red Sox would top the list. The deepest farm system of the bunch may belong to Texas. The team in most need of an ace out of that group would be Baltimore, who has a couple prime prospects who could make an immediate impact.

Will he go?: The scouts we’ve talked to are buying Amaro’s statement that he wants to keep Lee at all costs and pair him with Cole Hamels going forward as the core of the starting rotation. “I think Ruben should listen to all offers,” one scout said. “I just don’t see him pulling the trigger. He traded Lee once and I’m not sure he wants that title on him again.”

Jonathan Papelbon

Contract status: The closer is signed through 2015 with vesting option for 2016

Total value of deal: $32.5 million left, with a $13 million vesting for 2016.

Trade clauses: Believed to have limited blocking powers

What will he bring?: Recent struggles notwithstanding, Papelbon will probably be the closer who draws the most interest. “He can be a pain in the (rump) at times, but he’s a guy that loves the moment and wants to get back in it,” a scout said. The contract, however, will likely require the Phillies to fork over some cash if they want any kind of prospects.

Teams with interest: There are two that are most in need of a closer. One is the Red Sox, who lost Joel Hanrahan and are familiar with Papelbon. The other is Detroit, which has one glaring weakness on the roster — the ninth inning — that separates them from a World Series title.

Will he go?: The scouts say that the Phillie most likely to go would be Papelbon. “He’s not a core guy. He’s an expensive luxury and they can get good prospects from either one of those teams if they take just a little of the cash,” one said. “I think they have to move him.”

Chase Utley

Contract status: The second baseman becomes a free agent at the end of the year

Total value of deal: $7.5 million remaining for rest of season.

Trade clauses: May block deals to 21 teams — earns 10-5 no-trade rights (10 years in MLB, five years with same team) in August.

What will he bring?: Utley is interesting because he is viewed as a game-changing potential chip for teams in the hunt. “He still has something left in that bat,” a scout said. “And when you combine that with his energy and desire to probably get another shot at a ring and the leadership he brings, he’s going to look good to some teams.” Not everyone agrees. “The biggest thing is, can he stay healthy?” another scout said.

Teams with interest: The Yankees wouldn’t appear to be a fit because of Robinson Cano, but they may see Utley as a first baseman. The Orioles would seem to need him the most because he’s a healthier option than Brian Roberts. In the NL, St. Louis and Arizona could be good fits, too.

Will he go?: This is a 50-50 deal. Utley’s popularity in town makes him a tough sell. But the smart baseball move may be to trade and try to line him back up in the offseason for incentives. “You can’t get sentimental in this game or you’ll get flattened,” one scout said. The feeling here is Utley probably stays unless he asks to leave for a contender.

Carlos Ruiz

Contract status: The catcher becomes a free agent at the end of the year.

Total value of deal: $2.5 million remaining for rest of season.

Trade clauses: No known clauses.

What will he bring?: Ruiz may be interesting to a few teams who need a backstop and could be part of a larger package with Papelbon or Utley.

Teams with interest: As Jim Salisbury from Comcast SportsNet said, the Yankees are an obvious choice because they need to upgrade their catching if they want to hang in the AL East race. Another option is Detroit, which could use a hand for Alex Avila, who is on the disabled list right now.

Will he go?: Ruiz can get the Phils a lower level prospect. The situation is a little more complicated because of Tommy Joseph’s continuing concussion issues. However, scouts believe Ruiz will go as part of a bigger deal.

Best of the rest

Michael Young: A few scouts believe Young could be attractive to teams in the American League because of his leadership and versatility. However, who he brings in return is not likely to be much.

Jimmy Rollins: Here’s one opinion on Rollins — “I don’t see him going anywhere. And if he does, Young has more trade value than him right now because he’s viewed as a better leader.” Rollins has 10-5 rights and a few years left on his deal. Odds are, he will be here next year.

Kyle Kendrick: If Lee doesn’t get dealt, scouts feel the time may be right to trade Kendrick and get the most possible return on the investment. Would be a good third or fourth starter.

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